Originally Posted by Grumpyaviator

This really isn't all that new, just the criteria has changed. In the past they were digging to find 2500 hour pilots, then 1500 and 1000 hour pilots, etc down to 300 hour pilots. There were always companies hanging out at other Airline's training centers offering incentives to make a lateral move. The industry had plenty of opportunities to address the situation wisely and now it's caught up with them.

This also isn't the first time airlines have been canceling flights due to staffing. Around 2006-8 we were doing the same. Again, the industry saw this situation coming for a long time.

EFBs aren't a last second rush to keep pilots. It a project that's been in the works for years, partly due to some negotiating, mostly due to milking it out so people involved can keep earning adm pay and, not to mention the dragged-out FAA approval.

But the fact is, efbs and a potential bone from Delta won't keep pilots here, even a dream contract won't retain enough pilots to fill the future staffing needs. Most of us want to move up and on and nothing will change that.

Originally Posted by Hangrew

So it's not new but the criteria has changed... Ok sure, and to my biggest point, when the companies attacked the issues with the "business as usual" approach... It didn't work, endeavor was gonna fold, bonuses, tsa/rep/shuttle was foundering, consolidation and CQFO, and Piedmont was going small with old airplanes, jets...

PSA became the scourge of the industry because they accepted hopefully the last substandard contract we'll see for a long time in fear because they didn't look at history...


This is new and throwing the same solutions at the problems isn't working so we are in a new land and I think it only gets better for a pilot group IF we play our hand right...

Originally Posted by wmupilot85

I tend to disagree....but also agree as well. Yes, no one wants to come here due to the upgrade time, but having no PIC time doesn't mean not moving on. I just saw a 6 yr DTW FO who had his last day 2 days ago, and it moving onto Delta Air Lines.

I'm just being hypothetical here now, but lets say that we can show Delta and United that we can staff additional flying, while providing a great, reliable service. Lets just say that we get those additional 25 CRJ-900's that Delta still has yet to award. Lets also assume that we can get a contract, that has higher pay, better work rules, and over all better compensation than what we have now. Those 25 planes equates to an additional assumption of 125-130 captains. With this years attrition, that drops upgrade time down to maybe 3-4 years instead of 8 years.

So we get additional flying, which brings upgrade time down, and an industry leading contract, and then we're able to attract new hires who will stay for a few years instead of leaving right away. The pilots, and the company both know that the current method isn't working - because we're not attracting many new hires. We will have a few people on here that will say it will NEVER happen, as in a better contract, and additional flying, and a lower upgrade time, but that's also part of the problem. The negativity doesn't attract new hires, thus making our companies situation much more grim than it could be. ****ed because you can't upgrade because there are no FO's to back fill? Why not try to get pilots to come here, to create more movement, and thus move you up in the sonority list.

Originally Posted by XJT Pilot

Who are you guys telling to not come here? IDK about you, but I don't know anyone pursuing this career. Not one kid! I don't even know anyone with an airplane anymore, when I was a kid I knew at least twenty people that flew and owned privately. Now nothing! Let's face it their hosed and they did it to themselves!

Originally Posted by Captain Tony

That right there is the biggest problem, one I constantly face. In fact, very soon, the MEC legions will be here and on facebook to launch their same tired personal attacks at me for even bringing this up. I have served three MECs now at this company over the course of 12 years, and the current one is by far the most corrupt and self serving I have ever seen here or on any ALPA property.

Originally Posted by Grumpyaviator

On a side note, prepping us to keep our expectations low with the new JCBA and telling us we need to be competitive (read give concessions while having a better contract that the other regionals) shows the company is mis-guided concerning our priorities, aspirations and needs. As a result, no one will be swayed to stay or come here that isn't already committed. And the company will have to resolve itself to death by staffing.

Originally Posted by PeezDog

All of the above would be nice if that happens. However, it's not our job to cheer lead for this company. It's their job to attract pilots with juicy incentives. I would be more willing to talk positive about the company if there was, in fact, anything positive to talk about. Get us a new, fair and better contract, and lower the upgrade time from now over 8 years. As for now, I don't exactly feel loved here. I also couldn't in good conscience tell someone to come here. If it was actually good for your career to come here, I wouldn't hesitate.

Originally Posted by tothebigblue

LOL yeah, refer a pilot and get 1000 bucks......I know pilots but they are at other carriers......

Originally Posted by 2TimeLoser

I certainly don't know what I was thinking. I listened to a slick talking flight school lol and by the time I realized I had been duped, I had sunk way too much money to turn back. What a waste as a career, I got guys in my reserve unit who can't believe how little I get paid and much training and education it took to get that pay. Everyone I meet I tell them to steer clear of this money pit "hobby" they call a career, what a joke.

Originally Posted by XJT Pilot

My buddy just retired last year from the Margate police dept with 75% pension and bennies at 47 years old... Twenty and done! We're idiots!